Montana tribe anticipates problems with Affordable Care Act

Wednesday, May 15, 2013  

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of Montana is anticipating problems with the new Affordable Care Act.

Enrolled tribal members won't have to comply with the insurance mandate in the law. But Kevin Howlett, the tribe's health director, says Indian descendants will have to pay a penalty if they don't obtain insurance.

“I anticipate problems, not for tribal members who are being exempted, but I do think there will be issues for descendants who can and do receive health care from us,” Howlett told The Missoulian.

Howlett said tribal members are worried about the impact of the new law. But he said the Department of Health and Human Services has been slow to provide answers.

"We’re just one of 555 tribes, and we’re up against the clock," Howlett told the paper.

Get the Story:
CSKT official says health care law will present issues for Indians (The Missoulian 5/15)

Health care reform law includes limited definition of 'Indian' (5/13)